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Improper safeguards result in $28K fine for Saskatoon company

A Saskatoon company was fined $28,000 for an occupational health and safety violation after an employee was injured.

Oakwood Motors (operating as Infiniti Saskatoon) was found guilty of contravening subsection 137(5) of the regulations, where there is a possibility of machine failure and of injury to a worker resulting from the failure, fail to install safeguards that are strong enough to withstand the impact of debris from the machine failure and to contain any debris resulting from the failure, resulting in the serious injury of a worker.

The company was fined $20,000 plus an $8,000 surcharge in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Dec. 19.

Charges stemmed from an incident that took place on March 8, 2016, near Saskatoon. A worker suffered head injuries after being struck by debris when a coil spring compressor malfunctioned.

Safeguards prevent injuries by ensuring workers don’t come into contact with moving parts of machinery. Safeguards should be inspected regularly to ensure they are effective.